The Psychology of Pregnancy, with Leah Butler-Smith
Alexia cleared her own tokophobia and developed a method that has helped women clear theirs for more than 10 years.
The psychology of pregnancy doesn’t often get discussed and I don’t know why, so today I’m remedying that.
Pregnancy and the journey of motherhood are such a huge time of change that it’s no wonder that there are psychological implications. The thing is, we don’t often stop and think about what those might be. In today’s episode I’m going to be lifting the lid on the psychology of pregnancy and motherhood so that you can have a better understanding of what might be going on for you. To help me, I’m joined by Leah Butler-Smith who is a therapist and a coach as well as being a mum of three. Leah had a very successful practice in London’s Harley Street and has worked with many women on the whole motherhood spectrum. This includes from fertility and miscarriage to overcoming pregnancy fears and birth recovery.
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The psychology of pregnancy
Many women approach pregnancy and birth with very little if any preparation and assume that they can just take it in their stride. This might work for some, but given the seismic changes that are involved in becoming a mother, it’s worth taking some time to doing some preparation. Going from being an individual with no responsibility for anyone other than yourself to becoming a parent has its own set of challenges and adjustments to overcome. Add pregnancy and birth to the equation and there’s a lot to adjust to.
During our chat, Leah shares some interesting insights into the psychology of pregnancy and birth that might very well help you to unpick what is going on for you. Leah talks a lot about how our irrational mind is responsible for our beliefs and fears. She explains how those beliefs and fears may have been implanted in the first place, which is very interesting to listen to. I work with this stuff all the time, and I still find it fascinating.
Leah also talks about her experience of working with women on the fertility journey. She talks about her view of the part fears and anxieties can play when women are trying to conceive.
Managing pain with the mind
You may have heard me talk about how the mind can help us cope with pain. Leah talks about this too. During our chat, she shares a brilliant technique for managing pain during labour and birth.
About Leah Butler-Smith
Leah Butler-Smith describes herself as a ‘Rapid Transformation Specialist’ and has worked with clients since the late 1990s, including creatives, sports personalities and business owners. Her training includes Senior Hypnotherapist (one of the first awarded by the GHSC), Advanced Psychotherapist, Analytical Hypnotherapy, NLP Trainer and TFT Practitioner, along with Havening, EMDR and EFT. She now fills any spare time with studies in Neuroscience, Bio-Medicine and any other research that supports her members & private clients.
You can find Leah on Facebook as @leahbutlersmith and at butlerclinic.co.uk.
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About the author: Alexia Leachman has specialised in tokophobia and reproductive anxiety since 2015, and has personal experience of tokophobia. She is the founder of Fear Free Childbirth and hosts its podcast. She developed the Head Trash Clearance Method, which she uses in her work with women and teaches to perinatal professionals. She is the author of Fearless Birthing and Betrayed By Your Biology and a contributor to Childbirth, Midwifery and the Media. Alexia has hosted the Fear Free Childbirth podcast since 2015. More about Alexia ›
Fear Free Childbirth is a publication and is not a substitute for medical or mental-health care. If you’re struggling to cope or in crisis, please contact your GP, midwife or a qualified professional.
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